Vallejo artists inspire community to have fun

The usual solitary life of an artist takes a back seat -- a nice, crowded backseat -- this weekend with the unveiling of the annual Vallejo Open Studios throughout the city.

Some 50 artists offer everything from drawings to oil paintings, sculptures to art cars and jewelry, and everything in between.

Sherry Tobin, behind ArtCars, Art Alley, and a Wacky ArtCar Fashion Show at 314 Nevada St., can't wait for her third Open Studios, which "really shows what a wonderful art community we have and it's growing. Because of the low housing prices, more artists are moving to Vallejo. We can afford to live here and in return, we are giving back to Vallejo with events like the Open Studios and public art."

With an assist from Mark Martin and Greggo Nett, Tobin started Art Alley in Vallejo "because I missed the art alleys in San Francisco and I wanted to bring a little of that

to Vallejo."

By opening studios once a year, "we are letting everyone in and sharing our art," Tobin said. "My hope is that we are inspiring others to have fun with art. It doesn't have to be snobby and you don't have to be the best. Just have fun and

let go."

Open Studios also gives artists a chance to meet other artists,

Tobin added.

Tobin said the art scene in Vallejo "is really starting to blossom," calling her own work "fun, not serious. It's hard to really claim one medium when I like so many and get so many different ideas."

Andrew Moskito of Allied Ink is in his first Vallejo Open Studios.

"Our business revolves around community and art, and Vallejo Open Studios, is a way to help grow in both of those," Moskito said. "I'm looking forward to this weekend. It's going to be fun."

It's positive, he noted, "that, in fact, there are people who care about art and community like

we do."

At Allied Ink, "we are a tattoo shop of artists who eat, breathe and live art. When we aren't tattooing, we are painting."